The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Time to clear the way
It's a bit late for this friendly reminder, what with all that's been happening, but it's one to make our roads a little safer. With the now leafy trees and shrubbery, especially along busy roadways, important signage is sometimes obscured. For those unfamiliar with certain areas, it would be helpful to be able to see stop signs and know the speed limit.
While you're at it
A source of treachery for motorcyclists is grass that's been discharged from mowers onto roadways. Hitting a patch of damp grass is like hitting a pool of oil. Many motorcyclists, and some bicyclists, too, have been known to wipe out, so kindly keep your grass off the street.
An initiative for a beautiful area
Seven agencies are working on a deal to speed up restoration of 14,000 acres the Barrington Greenway Initiative comprises. The land stretches roughly from Island Lake to South Barrington and from Algonquin to Deer Park, and the initiative takes over where the Vanderpoel family left off in its quest to preserve open space. It's a beautiful area to save.
Bike mechanics, essential workers
Bike shop workers in the suburbs, it turns out, are swamped, and have been since the state's coronavirus restrictions began. It's easy to see why: Just look outside or drive around and see all the families out on their bikes, as well as more serious cyclists indulging. Mechanics are running out of time and supplies. Who knew how essential they'd be?
Batavia Boardwalk Shops
Eight businesses will begin operating this weekend out of small shops in downtown Batavia, kicking off a new concept designed to boost foot traffic and spur economic activity. A variety of products will be available during the first season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops. What an encouraging effort.
Good start, but just a start
The verdict from health officials was generally positive for last weekend's outdoor dining for restaurants in Phase 3 of the state's reopening plan. But it's clear many people are still pushing the safety envelope as they gather in public. Let's not overdo it too soon and find ourselves back where we started in two weeks. Be safe. Wear masks. Keep your distance.
COVID fatigue
Michael Bauer, medical director at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, said the issue may be "coronavirus fatigue." He said, "The virus is not over, but there are people who are over it." Perhaps it's better to turn that phrase around: "There are people who are over the virus, but the virus is not over."
Sputtering out of the turn
It's quite sad there still is no racing at Arlington Park and sadder still that it needn't be this way. Churchill Downs Inc. and the horsemen surely have the resources and the interest to make negotiations work. We hope they do.
This week's Soapbox quote:
From former President Barack Obama: "The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on."
Remembering Dick Johnson
Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dick Johnson, a Chicago television news anchor and reporter for 38 years who died this week at the age of 66. Co-workers at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 remembered him as a "consummate professional and an outstanding journalist." He will be missed.